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United States · Official source
4,862 records where Rep. Brown, Corrine [D-FL-5] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2007
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1400 Highway 41 North in Inverness, Florida, as the "Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Weaver Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2007
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1430 South Highway 29 in Cantonment, Florida, as the "Charles H. Hendix Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2007
Kids in Disasters Well-being, Safety, and Health Act of 2007 - Establishes in the legislative branch the National Commission on Children and Disasters, which shall: (1) assess facts and causes relating to the needs of children before, during, and after all hazards, disasters, and emergencies, including child health and welfare, affordable housing, and juvenile justice needs and emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities; (2) evaluate existing law relevant to such needs; (3) evaluate lessons learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and any other relevant disaster of the past 10 years regarding policies of federal, state, and local governments and nongovernmental entities relative to addressing such needs; and (4) report to the President and Congress. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a National Resource Center on Children and Disasters, which shall: (1) establish a clearinghouse for information and resources on issues relating to such needs; and (2) develop and maintain a website and related systems for disseminating information on such issues. Directs the Secretary to: (1) collaborate with any executive department and specified parties responsible for policies and regulations relevant to such needs; and (2) enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretaries of Homeland Security, Education, Housing and Urban Development, and Transportation and the Attorney General to collaborate on the functions of the Center.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2007
Honors: (1) the sacrifices and commitment of the men, women, and families of the United States Transportation Command; and (2) the achievements of the Transportation Command during the global war on terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2007
Congratulates the Warner Robins Little League Baseball Team from Warner Robins, Georgia, on winning the 2007 Little League World Series Championship.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2007
Stop Importing Gum Arabic from the Genocidal Government of Sudan Act - Amends the Tariff Suspension and Trade Act of 2000 to prohibit the importation of gum Arabic from Sudan.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2007
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow holders of clean renewable water supply bonds a tax credit of 25% of the annual credit amount as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. Defines "clean renewable water supply bond" as any bond issued by a governmental body or an entity qualified to issue tax-exempt bonds that is used for capital expenditures for projects involving a qualified desalination facility, a recycled water facility, or a groundwater remediation facility. Sets forth rules for maturity limitations, arbitrage, and expenditures, including a requirement that 95% of the proceeds of a bond issue be spent on one or more clean renewable water supply projects within five years from the date of a bond issuance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
College Affordability for Working Students Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to carry out a Demonstration Loan program providing guaranteed and direct loans to less than half-time students for not more than six terms, semesters, or substantially equivalent periods of enrollment over the duration of the students' studies. Limits program participation to up to 100 institutions of higher education or consortia of IHEs. Requires program loans to be: (1) subject to deferral of repayment while the borrower is enrolled as a student, even if less than half-time; and (2) repaid pursuant to a repayment plan selected by the borrower that commences six months after the borrower's enrollment ends. Authorizes the Secretary to waive, for IHE participants, certain requirements limiting what may be included in the cost of attendance for less than half-time students.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
Put School Counselors Where They're Needed Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to implement a demonstration project providing competitive, four-year grants to at least 10 secondary schools that have a four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate of 60% or lower, for the provision of additional school counselors and counselor resources. Expresses the sense of Congress that grantees should provide one additional counselor for every 250 students at risk. Requires the additional school counselors to serve primarily students identified as being at risk of not graduating in four years. Makes grantees that demonstrate progress in improving their graduation rates eligible for subsequent grants.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2007 - Amends the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 to set the environmental intervention blood lead level for a confirmed concentration of lead in whole blood as equal to or greater than ten micrograms of lead per deciliter for a single test, for purposes of provisions concerning lead-based paint hazards in housing. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to amend relevant regulations to comply with this Act within 90 days.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
200th Anniversary Commemoration Commission of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act of 2007 - Establishes the Transatlantic Slave Trade 200th Anniversary Commission. Sets forth Commission duties, including: (1) plan activities appropriate to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade; (2) encourage civic, historical, educational, religious, economic entities, as well as state and local governments to participate in anniversary activities; (3) facilitate the convening of a joint meeting or joint session of the Congress for related ceremonies and activities; (4) promote the sponsorship of related conferences and exhibitions; and (5) examine reports and raise public awareness of of modern-day slavery and human trafficking. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007 - Declares that the purposes of this Act is to provide a federal backstop for state-sponsored insurance programs to help homeowners prepare for and recover from the damages caused by natural catastrophes. Establishes a nonprofit National Catastrophe Risk Consortium, which shall not be an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government, to: (1) gather an inventory of catastrophe risk obligations held by participating states' reinsurance funds, risk pools, or primary insurance corporations; (2) issue securities and other financial instruments linked to the catastrophe risk in the capital markets; (3) enter into reinsurance contracts with private parties, on a conduit basis; (4) act as a centralized repository of state risk information accessible by private-market participants interested in underwriting risk-linked securities or entering into reinsurance contracts; and (5) use an acquired catastrophe risk database to perform research and analysis that encourages standardization of the risk-linked securities market. Makes the Consortium eligible for discretionary federal grants, contracts, gifts, contributions, or technical assistance. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to carry out a national homeowners' insurance stabilization program to make liquidity loans and catastrophic loans to state and regional reinsurance programs to: (1) ensure their solvency; (2) improve the availability and affordability of homeowners' insurance; and (3) spread the risk of catastrophic financial loss resulting from natural disasters and catastrophic events. Authorizes the Secretary to establish and collect a reasonable fee from precertified qualified reinsurance programs to offset stabilization program expenses. Prescribes requirements for qualified reinsurance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
National Homelessness Task Force Act of 2007 - Establishes in the legislative branch a National Homelessness Task Force to: (1) analyze reports by federal, state, and local agencies and academic institutions relating to homelessness; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of federal programs addressing homelessness, particularly their interaction with state and local entities which also address homelessness; (3) analyze options and make recommendations to alleviate the causes and effects of such homelessness; and (4) conduct related research and develop methods to improve, federal, state, and local agency coordination.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
Support Our Schools With Quality Teaching Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award competitive five-year grants to up to 250 local educational agencies (LEAs) to recruit, support, and retain highly qualified and effective teachers through participation in the Targeted High Need Initiative Take One! program of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Gives priority to LEAs that have: (1) the highest number of disadvantaged students; (2) the highest number of schools identified for school improvement, corrective action, or restructuring; and (3) the lowest number of teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Requires LEAs to use such grants to: (1) partner with institutions of higher education or other appropriate entities in conducting grant activities; (2) provide teachers participating in the Take One! program with training, mentoring, and technological resources; (3) cover the assessment fee for teachers who apply for certification by such Board and agree to teach at the participating school for at least three years after their certification; (4) provide specified monetary awards to teachers and their sponsoring schools after completion of the Take One! program; and (5) conduct an independent evaluation of such program's affect on teaching quality and student performance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
Mental Health in Schools Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make changes to the program to apply a public health approach to mental health services, including by revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement. Makes only a consortium that includes at least one educational agency eligible for such funding. Allows such a consortium to: (1) include a community program, an agency that is involved in mental health, or a school; and (2) consist of a consortium in which the members select an agent (such as a local educational agency or community health care entity) to act on the consortium's behalf. Sets forth assurances required for eligibility, including assurances that: (1) the local education agency will enter into a memorandum of understanding with relevant community-based entities that clearly states the responsibilities of each consortium member; (2) the program will include comprehensive staff development for school and community service personnel working in the school and training for children with mental health disorders, for family members of such children, and for concerned members of the community; and (3) the program will demonstrate the measures to be taken to sustain the program after funding terminates. Requires the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to develop a process for evaluating grant program activities, including: (1) the development of guidelines for the submission of program data by recipients; and (2) the development of measures of outcomes to be applied by recipients in evaluating programs, to include student and family measures and local educational measures.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007
Recognizes Afro-Colombians for their contributions to Columbia's economic, social, and cultural fabric. Calls upon the government of Colombia to combat racial discrimination and human rights violations. Urges the government of Colombia to: (1) demand politicians linked to para-politics scandals are investigated and brought to justice; and (2) implement a policy that ensures proper execution of assistance programs for Afro-Colombians and internally displaced communities. Encourages the U.S. government to ensure that the previous consultation mechanism with Afro-Colombians and marginalized groups is applied in the free trade agreement negotiation and in Plan Colombia's implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Early Treatment for HIV Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to give states the option of providing Medicaid coverage for certain low-income HIV-infected individuals. Provides states taking advantage of this option with an enhanced federal Medicaid match.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Homes for Heroes Act of 2007 - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure veteran access to HUD housing and homeless assistance programs; (2) coordinate all HUD programs and activities relating to veterans; and (3) serve as a HUD liaison with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Directs the HUD Secretary to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive housing for very low-income veteran families (that is, families with incomes not exceeding 50% of the area median income). Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) make housing rental vouchers available to homeless veterans; and (2) include veterans in public housing planning. Excludes veterans' benefits from income for purposes of HUD assisted housing rental determinations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make grants to nonprofit entities for technical assistance in sponsoring HUD housing projects for veterans; and (2) report annually to specified congressional committees and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on HUD activities relating to veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
Designates the great hall of the Capitol Visitor Center as Emancipation Hall.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2007
GEAR UP Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) created to facilitate the transition of low-income high school students into postsecondary education. Establishes a seven year GEAR UP grant period. Requires grantees to provide services to students through their first year of postsecondary education. Revises GEAR UP matching requirements to allow: (1) matching funds to accrue over the duration of a grant; (2) grantees to request that the match be reduced; and (3) each non-federal dollar obligated for student financial aid to be treated as two dollars toward the match. Expands permissible uses of grant funds to include promoting student financial and economic literacy and facilitating family and community involvement in the program. Permits state grantees to use program funds for technical assistance to middle or secondary schools or partnership grantees located in the state. Provides that GEAR UP scholarships are to supplement aid to which students are already eligible. Alters the formula used in determining the minimum GEAR UP scholarship to factor in the minimum, rather than maximum, Pell Grant. Reauthorizes GEAR UP appropriations through FY2014.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2007
Providing Resources Early for Kids Act of 2007 or the PRE-K Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to states to enhance or improve state-funded preschool programs. Sets forth a grant formula favoring states that: (1) have curricula aligned with state early learning standards; (2) follow nationally-established best practices for class size and teacher-to-student ratios; (3) require each teacher to hold at least an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field; and (4) have a plan for meeting the requirement, within five years of receiving such grant, that teachers hold at least a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education. Directs the Secretary to establish a competitive process for awarding grants to other states that demonstrate that they will meet such requirements within two fiscal years. Prohibits state grantees from reducing their preschool or child care expenditures. Includes among grant uses: (1) increasing the qualifications of, and benefits provided to, teachers, teacher aides, and program directors; (2) decreasing class size and improving teacher-to-student ratios; (3) providing certain comprehensive services that support healthy child development; (4) extending program hours per day and weeks per year; and (5) improving program monitoring and learning environments. Reserves funds for competitive grants to Indians for their preschool programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2007
Supports the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2007
Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should set a national goal of cutting poverty in half over the next 10 years using a strategy that promotes good jobs at livable wages.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2007
Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - Increases the authorized allowance for burial and funeral expenses for deceased veterans who: (1) at the time of death were in receipt of veterans' disability compensation or veterans' pension benefits; or (2) were veterans of any war or were discharged or released from active military service for a service-connected disability and for whom there is no next of kin or sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial costs. Increases the burial plot allowance for veterans who, at the time of death, were receiving hospital or nursing home care in or through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Authorizes the annual adjustment of such allowances by the same percentage increase as adjustments to benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2007
Travel Promotion Act of 2007 - Establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a nonprofit corporation that is not an agency or establishment of the U.S. government. Makes the Corporation subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. Requires the Corporation, among other things, to provide useful information to people interested in traveling to the United States, identify and address perceptions in other countries regarding U.S. entry policies, and promote U.S. travel. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund. Requires the transfer of Treasury funds to the Corporation, requiring nonfederal matching funds. Authorizes the U.S. government, if a fully automated electronic system is implemented to determine, in advance of travel, the eligibility of an alien to travel to the United States, to charge an applicant a system use fee. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to replace references to the United States National Tourism Organization with references to the Corporation. Modifies various requirements applicable to the Tourism Policy Council. Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003 to remove provisions establishing the United States Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2007
Recognizes the 200th birthday of Martha Coffin Wright (women's rights organizer and abolitionist). Recognizes the induction of Martha Coffin Wright into the National Women's Hall of Fame and honors her accomplishments in her fight for equal rights for all Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2007
National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 coins emblematic of the courage, pride, sacrifice, sense of duty, and history of the U.S. Infantry, in commemoration of the legacy of the U.S. Army Infantry and the establishment of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center. Expresses the sense of Congress that the coins should be struck at the U.S. Mint at West Point, New York, to the greatest extent possible. Restricts coin issuance to calendar year 2012. Requires a $10 surcharge per coin, and payment of all surcharges received to the National Infantry Foundation to establish an endowment to support the maintenance of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2007
New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act - Incorporates various legislative initiatives for energy conservation, independence, and security. Green Jobs Act of 2007 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Labor to: (1) establish an energy efficiency and renewable energy worker training program; (2) collect and analyze labor market data to track workforce trends resulting from energy-related initiatives under this Act; and (3) award National Energy Training Partnerships Grants to community based nonprofit organizations to carry out training programs that lead to economic self-sufficiency and develop an energy efficiency and renewable energy industries workforce. International Climate Cooperation Re-engagement Act of 2007 - Establishes in the Department of State an Office of Global Climate Change to be headed by an Ambassador-at-large with the primary responsibility of advancing U.S. goals for reducing global greenhouse emissions and for addressing the challenges posed by global climate change. Requires: (1) the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to support policies and programs in developing countries that promote clean and efficient energy technologies; (2) the Secretary of Commerce to direct the United States and Foreign Commercial Service to promote U.S. exports in clean and efficient energy technologies and to direct the International Trade Administration (ITA) to encourage private sector trade and investment in clean and efficient energy technologies; (3) the Director of the Trade and Development Agency to fund projects for using clean and efficient energy technologies; and (4) the President to provide assistance to the Interagency Working Group to support a clean energy technology exports initiative. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a global climate change exchange program. Establishes the International Clean Energy Foundation to promote projects outside the United States for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to work with foreign governments and private entities to address climate change issues. Small Energy Efficient Businesses Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to: (1) authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide assistance to state development companies for projects that reduce energy consumption by at least 10% and generate renewable resources; (2) authorize small business investment companies to issue Energy Saving debentures; and (3) require the SBA Administrator to establish a Renewable Fuel Capital Investment Program. Amends the Small Business Act to: (1) direct the SBA Administrator to make small business loans to purchase energy efficient equipment or fixtures; (2) authorize a small business development center to apply for an additional grant to carry out a small business sustainability initiative project; and (3) direct the SBA Administrator to develop and coordinate a program for small business education on energy efficiency. Establishes: (1) the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) within the Department of Energy (DOE) to overcome the long-term and high-risk technological barriers in the development of energy technologies; and (2) the Energy Transformation Acceleration Fund to fund energy technologies research. Marine Renewable Energy Research and Development Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) support programs to expand the use of marine renewable energy production; and (2) award grants to institutions of higher education to establish one or more National Marine Renewable Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Centers. Advanced Geothermal Energy Research and Development Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) support programs to expand the use of geothermal energy production; (2) extend the DOE's GeoPowering the West program throughout the entire United States; and (3) award grants to institutions of higher education (or consortia thereof) to establish two Centers for Geothermal Technology Transfer. Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) a research and development program on thermal energy storage technologies for concentrating solar power; (2) a grant program for solar industry workforce training and internships; (3) a research and development program for direct solar light pipe technology; (4) a solar air conditioning research and development program; and (5) a grant program to states to demonstrate advanced photovoltaic technology. Biofuels Research and Development Enhancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a technology transfer center for information on research, development, and commercial application of technologies related to biofuels, biogas, and biorefineries: (2) award grants for biofuel production research and development in states with low rates of ethanol and cellulosic biomass ethanol production; and (3) conduct studies on increasing biodiesel production and consumption of ethanol-blending gasoline. Department of Energy Carbon Capture and Storage Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) carry out fundamental science and engineering research to develop and document new approaches to capture and store carbon dioxide; (2) ensure that fundamental research is appropriately applied to energy technology development activities and the field testing of carbon sequestration activities; (3) promote regional carbon sequestration partnerships to conduct geologic sequestration tests involving carbon dioxide in a variety of geological settings; and (4) conduct at least seven initial large-volume sequestration tests for geological containment of carbon dioxide. Global Change Research and Data Management Act of 2007 - Directs the President to: (1) establish an interagency committee to ensure cooperation and coordination of federal research activities pertaining to processes of global change; (2) establish an interagency United States Global Change Research Program to improve understanding of global change; (3) develop a National Global Change Research and Assessment Plan to implement the Program, including recommendations for global change research; (4) establish a Global Change Research Information Exchange; and (5) establish an interagency climate and other global change data management working group. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to contract for a study of the potential impacts of climate change on patterns of hurricane and typhoon development. Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 - Expands and extends agricultural-based energy programs established by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 through FY2012, including programs for biofuels production, biorefineries, cellulosic biomass feedstocks and production, and forest bioenergy research. Carbon-Neutral Government Act of 2007 - Requires: (1) federal agencies to annually inventory and report their greenhouse gas emissions for the preceding fiscal year and to reduce net emissions to zero by FY2050: (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate annual greenhouse gas emission targets for FY2010-FY2050; (3) federal agencies to develop plans and publicly report progress for meeting emission targets; (4) federal agencies to purchase low greenhouse gas emitting vehicles; and (5) new federal buildings to be designed to reduce fossil-fuel generated power consumption and meet green buildings standards. Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act: (1) repeal the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Permit Processing Improvement Fund; and (2) extend deadlines for consideration of applications for permits for oil and gas drilling on federal lands. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish a cost recovery fee for applications for a permit to drill for oil and gas on federal lands; (2) develop a strategy for oil shale and tar sands leasing and development; and (3) modify best management practices guidelines for oil and gas development on federal lands. Federal Consistency Appeals Decision Refinement Act - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to increase from 160 days to 200 days the amount of time allotted to the Secretary of Commerce to compile a record of decision (ROD) used in an appeal of state consistency with federal coastal zone management programs. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct no less than 550 audits of oil and gas leases on federal lands by FY2009. Establishes a Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee to study impacts on wildlife and their habitats related to land-based wind energy facilities. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct an analysis of the existing capacity of regional transmission systems in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to states for surveys of federal and state coastal waters. Establishes pilot programs for the development of strategic solar reserves and for biomass activities on federal lands. National Carbon Dioxide Storage Capacity Assessment Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) conduct a national assessment of the geological storage capacity for carbon dioxide; and (2) establish a National Resources Management Council on Climate Change to address the impact of climate change on federal lands, the ocean environment, and the federal water infrastructure. Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act - Requires the Secretary of Energy to promulgate a national strategy for assisting wildlife populations and their habitats in adapting to the impacts of global warming. Establishes a science advisory board to assist the Secretary and a National Global Warming and Wildlife Science Center within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Establishes a state and tribal wildlife grants program. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate a national strategy to support state and federal agency efforts to mitigate the impacts on ocean and coastal ecosystems from global warming. National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of 2007 - Establishes a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System to support national defense, marine commerce, energy production and other activities and to promote greater public awareness and stewardship of the Nation's ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. Royalty Relief for American Consumers Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to agree to any lessee request to amend any lease issued for any Central and Western Gulf of Mexico tract during 1998 and 1999 to incorporate specified price thresholds. Reaffirms the authority of the Secretary to vary, based on the price of production from a lease, the suspension of royalties under specified leases on the Outer Continental Shelf. Establishes in the Treasury the Oil Shale Community Impact Assistance Fund. Transportation Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation Act of 2007 - Establishes in the Department of Transportation (DOT) a Center for Climate Change and Environment to plan, coordinate, and implement efforts to reduce transportation-related energy use and mitigate the effects of climate change. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish programs for: (1) purchasing hybrid locomotives, including hybrid switch locomotives; (2) rehabilitating, preserving, or improving railroad tracks; (3) short sea transportation; and (4) environmental mitigation demonstration projects at public-use airports. Establishes standards and programs for public building energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. Requires the installation of a photovoltaic system in the headquarters building of the Department of Energy. Prohibits the use of a general service incandescent lamp in Coast Guard facilities after 2009. Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to: (1) study the feasibility of constructing a photovoltaic roof for the Rayburn House Office Building; and (2) construct a fuel tank and pumping system for E-85 fuel near the Capitol Grounds Fuel Station. Directs the Architect: (1) to include energy efficiency and other environmental measures in the Capitol Complex Master Plan; and (2) install technologies for the capture and storage or use of carbon dioxide. Establishes the 21st Century Water Commission to address future water supply and demand and the impacts of climate change on water availability and quality. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to study the effects of climate change on FEMA preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation programs. Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2007 - Establishes new energy efficiency standards and testing procedures for residential appliances, electric motors, residential boilers, external power supplies, light bulbs, incandescent reflector lamps, and other lighting fixtures. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish regional standards for space heating and air conditioning products. Sets forth new energy efficiency standards for residential, commercial, and federal buildings. Establishes: (1) an Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings in the General Services Administration (GSA); and (2) an Office of Commercial high-Performance Green Buildings in the Department of Energy. Directs the Secretary to study to use of power management software by DOE and other federal facilities to reduce the use of electricity in computer monitors and personal computers. Directs the EPA Administrator to establish a Recoverable Waste-Energy Inventory Program to survey all major U.S industrial and commercial combustion sources. Establishes in the EPA a Waste Energy Recovery Incentive Grant Program. Establishes Clean Energy Application Centers (previously named Combined Heat and Power Application Centers) for the deployment of clean energy technologies. Sustainable Energy Institutional Infrastructure Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) provide information and technical assistance to institutional entities for developing sustainable infrastructure; (2) create a Sustainable Institutions Revolving Fund to provide loans for the construction or improvement of sustainable energy infrastructure to serve institutional entities; (3) create a training program to educate federal contracting officers to negotiate energy efficiency contracts; (4) establish an Energy Efficiency Block Grant Program to make grants for energy efficiency programs; and (5) provide education and technical assistance to state and local governments on energy efficiency practices. Reauthorizes energy efficiency grant programs through FY2012. Smart Grid Facilitation Act of 2007 - Directs the President to establish a Grid Modernization Commission to implement Smart Grid technologies, coordinate efforts with States and utilities, and develop and implement a National Action Plan on Demand Response. Creates a federal matching grant program to reimburse one-fourth of the costs of implementing Smart Grid technologies where consumers, utilities, States or other participants contribute three-quarters of the costs. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) develop programs to assist deployment of Smart Grid technologies and to perform cooperative demonstration projects with as many as five electric utility systems; and (2) make grants for the installation, replacement, or conversion of motor fuel storage and dispensing infrastructure to store and dispense renewable fuel. Mandates studies on the feasibility of dedicated ethanol pipelines, gasoline with increased ethanol levels, the adequacy of railroad transportation of domestically produced renewable fuel, and the impact of increased use of renewable fuels on the U.S. economy United States-Israel Energy Cooperation Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy, in implementing certain energy cooperation agreements between the United States and Israel, to establish a grant program to support research, development, and commercialization of alternative renewable energy sources. Establishes a program of incentives for advanced plug-in hybrid motor vehicles and components. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration to establish a five-year plan to improve data collection for information needed for energy markets and related financial operations. Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend: (1) the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources through 2012; (2) the energy tax credit for investment in solar energy and fuel cell property through 2016; (3) the special rule for treatment of gain from electronic transmission transactions by certain electric utilities through 2009; (4) the tax credit for installing nonhydrogen alternative fuel refueling property through 2010; (5) the income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel through 2010; and (6) the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial building expenditures through 2013. Allows new tax credits for: (1) investment in new clean renewable energy bonds, qualified energy conservation bonds, and residential energy efficiency assistance bonds; and (2) the production of plug-in hybrid motor vehicles, cellulosic alcohol fuel, and electricity from marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy sources. Allows a tax exclusion for bicycle commuting reimbursements. Revises certain tax incentives for investment in the New York Liberty Zone. Revises tax credit amounts for certain energy efficient household appliances produced after 2007. Allows a five-year recovery period for the depreciation of qualified energy management devices. Denies a tax deduction for income attributable to the domestic production of oil, natural gas, and any related products. Increases to seven years the amortization period for geological and geophysical expenditures for major integrated oil companies. Revises tax rules relating to foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign produced fuel used or sold outside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2007
Repeals certain personnel management authorities, including a provision authorizing the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to employ and fix the compensation, terms, and conditions of employment for passenger and property screeners. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security to take any measures necessary to provide for the uniform treatment of all TSA screeners; and (2) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the pay system that applies to such employees.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2007
ADA Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to remove from the definition of "disability" a reference to substantially limiting one or more major life activities. Prohibits, in determining whether an individual has an impairment, considering the impact of any mitigating measures the individual may be using or whether any impairment manifestations are episodic, in remission, or latent. Considers actions taken because of an individual's use of a mitigating measure to be actions taken on the basis of a disability. Defines "record of physical or mental impairment" as having a history of, or having been misclassified as having, a physical or mental impairment. Defines "regarded as having a physical or mental impairment" as being perceived or treated as having a physical or mental impairment whether or not the individual has an impairment. Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of disability (under current law, against a qualified individual with a disability because of the disability). Allows, as a defense to a charge of discrimination, that the individual alleging discrimination is not a qualified individual with a disability. Requires that the Act's provisions be broadly construed. Empowers: (1) the Attorney General to promulgate regulations and guidance to provide for consistent and effective standards among enforcing agencies; and (2) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Secretary of Transportation to then issue implementing regulations or policy guidance consistent with the Attorney General's requirements. Entitles duly issued federal regulations and guidance to deference by administrative bodies or officers and courts.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2007
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Watermelon Month to recognize watermelon's health benefits and importance to the U.S. agriculture industry.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2007
International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2007 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance, including through multilateral, nongovernmental, and faith-based organizations, to prevent child marriage in developing countries and to promote the educational, health, economic, social, and legal empowerment of girls and women. Sets forth priority assistance criteria. Directs the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to establish a multi-year strategy to prevent child marriage in developing countries and to promote the empowerment of girls at risk of child marriage, including by addressing the unique needs and potentials of eight to 18 year old girls. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that Department of State country reports on human rights practices include a description of the status of child marriage for countries with specified rates of child marriage. Defines "child marriage."
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2007
Path to Success: Gang Prevention through Community Partnerships Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to community colleges to establish partnerships with juvenile detention centers and secure juvenile justice residential facilities to provide assistance, services, and education to individuals age 16 through 19 who have served or are serving time in juvenile detention facilities for a gang-related offense who reenter the community and pursue: (1) a secondary education graduation certificate, a general equivalency diploma (GED), or equivalent certificate or diploma; (2) a certificate of completion for a specialized area of study; or (3) an associate's degree. Requires such education programs to establish a uniquely designed education plan for each individual program participant that requires the individual to receive at least a secondary education certificate or diploma in order to complete the program successfully.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2007
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the same level of tax withholding for tax deductible payments made between persons who are members of the same foreign controlled group of entities as would be required if such payments were made directly to the foreign parent corporation of such entities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2007
Opt Out of Iraq War Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow taxpayers to designate that the percentage of their income, estate, or gift tax payments that would otherwise be used to fund the Iraq war be paid into a Future Fund from which funding will be provided, in equal amounts, to the Head Start program, to reduce the national debt, and for a Children of Iraq War Veterans College Fund. Requires amounts in the College Fund to be used to pay the college costs of students that had a parent in the Armed Forces who served in the Iraq war for at least 180 days, died as the result of service in such war, or was hospitalized and unable to return to duty due to such service.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2007
Recognizes the dedication and devotion of former Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown to public service. Commends his actions and achievements and his inspiring example to the African-American community.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2007
Welcomes the strong relationship formed between the United States and Ukraine since the restoration of Ukraine's independence in 1991 and especially following the Orange Revolution of 2004. Applauds Ukraine for holding free presidential elections. Urges the leadership and political parties of Ukraine to conduct elections as scheduled on September 30, 2007. Expresses support for the efforts of the Ukrainian people to consolidate the democratic gains of the Orange Revolution of 2004. Pledges assistance to the further development of a democratic system in Ukraine based on the rule of law, a free market economy, and consolidation of Ukraine's security and sovereignty.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2007
National Women's Rights History Project Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate a vehicular tour route, to be known as the Votes for Women History Trail Route, to link properties in New York State that are historically and thematically associated with the struggle for women's suffrage in the United States. Requires the National Park Service to administer the Trail through the Women's Rights National Historical Park (established under prior law). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements and memorandums of understanding with, and provide technical and financial assistance to, other federal agencies, the State of New York, localities, regional governmental bodies, and private entities; (2) make annual grants to state historic preservation offices for up to five years for assistance in surveying, evaluating, and nominating women's rights history properties to the National Register of Historic Places; and (3) make matching grants and give technical assistance for development of a network of governmental and nongovernmental entities providing interpretive and educational program development of national women's rights history, including historic preservation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2007
Stranahan House, Trading Post and Campsite Historic Preservation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Stranahan House, trading post and camp historical and archeological site in Broward County, Florida, including both the property on which Stranahan House is located at 335 S.E. 6th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301, as well as the adjacent property, at 500 East Las Olas Boulevard, where parts of the trading post and the campsite were located.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2007
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and its impact upon hundreds of thousands of homeless men, women, children, and youth in the United States, including the substantial contributions of Representatives Stewart B. McKinney and Bruce Vento in addressing homelessness. Supports the efforts of federal, state, and local governments and private non-profit organizations to prevent and end homelessness through the development of affordable housing, including efforts to prevent and end homelessness among armed forces veterans. Commends the dedication and commitment of service providers, including faith-based and nonprofit organizations, to end homelessness in their communities and provide emergency food, shelter, and services to homeless Americans. Declares that the House of Representatives endeavors to work with the same courage, dignity, and determination exemplified by Representatives McKinney and Vento to eliminate homelessness in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2007
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Minority Donor Awareness Day.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2007
Supports the goals and ideals of National Passport Month.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2007
Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) specify restrictions on the sale and display to the general public of Social Security account numbers (SSNs) by governmental entities; (2) prohibit the display of SSNs (or any derivatives) on checks issued for payment by such entities; (3) prohibit governmental entity display of SSNs (or any derivatives) on employee identification cards or tags (IDs); (4) prohibit access to the SSNs of other individuals by prisoners employed by governmental entities; (5) prohibit the selling, purchasing, or displaying of SSNs (with certain exceptions) to the general public, or the acquisition or use of any individual's SSN to locate or identify such individual with the intent to physically injure or harm him or her, or to use the individual's ID for any illegal purpose by any person; (6) provide for uniform standards for truncation of an SSN; and (7) establish new criminal penalties for the misuse of SSNs. Amends SSA title XI to provide for the application of civil monetary penalty to specified offenses involving SSNs or Social Security cards. Establishes: (1) new criminal penalties for employees of the Social Security Administration who knowingly and fraudulently issue Social Security cards or SSNs; and (2) enhanced penalties in cases of terrorism, drug trafficking, crimes of violence, or prior offenses. Amends SSA title XI with respect to regulatory and enforcement authority with respect to misuse of SSNs. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council to study and report to the Commissioner and Congress on: (1) the extent of the use of SSNs as a primary means of authenticating identity or for verification in commercial transactions; and (2) the feasibility of a prohibition on such use. Requires the study also to examine possible alternatives to SSNs for such uses.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2007
Heroes at Home Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish a program on training and certification of family caregivers of veterans and members with traumatic brain injury (TBI); and (2) conduct outreach to enhance awareness of veterans and the public about the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and TBI and the services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans with such symptoms. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly: (1) establish a demonstration project to assess the feasibility and advisability of using telehealth technology to assess cognitive functioning of members who have sustained head trauma in order to improve their diagnosis and treatment; and (2) conduct an ongoing study of all matters relating to the telehealth and telemental health services of the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2007
States that the House of Representatives: (1) congratulates the people of Ethiopia on Ethiopia's second millennium and recognizes Ethiopia's long and rich history; (2) commends Ethiopia's contribution to peace and stability on the African continent through its role in the creation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU); (3) recognizes the longstanding Ethiopia-U.S. relationship; (4) commends the organizers of the second millennium celebration in Ethiopia and the United States; and (5) calls for a peaceful and jubilant celebration of Ethiopia's second millennium.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2007
Recognizes the importance of the Gulf Coast region to the U.S. economy, as well as the cultural contributions of its people. Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for all individuals still affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita two years after these terrible natural disasters struck.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2007
Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Robert T. Matsui Center for Cultural and Linguistic Competence in Health Care. Provides for health care workforce diversity activities, including the establishment of: (1) a technical clearinghouse on health workforce diversity; and (2) Regional Minority Centers of Excellence Programs. Requires health-related programs of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collect data on race, ethnicity, and primary language. Directs each federal health agency to implement a strategic plan to eliminate disparities and improve the health and health care of minority populations. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) an Office of Health Disparities within the Office of Civil Rights; and (2) civil rights compliance offices in each HHS agency that administers health programs. Reestablishes the Indian Health Service as an agency within the Public Health Service of HHS to be administered by an Assistant Secretary of Indian Health. Requires the establishment of an Office of Minority Health within specified agencies. Directs the President to execute, administer, and enforce provisions to address environmental justice in minority and low-income populations. Provides for the establishment of health empowerment zone programs in communities that disproportionately experience disparities in health status and health care. Requires the Secretary to designate centers of excellence at public hospitals and other health systems that demonstrate excellence in providing care to minority populations and reducing health disparities. Makes immigrants from certain U.S. territories and possessions eligible for specified federal programs. Requires the Secretary to expand the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative. Provides for grants for strategies to eliminate racial and ethnic health and health care disparities. Requires the Secretary to establish the Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2007
Authorizes the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design to comedian Jerry Lewis in recognition of his outstanding service to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2007
21st Century High-Performing Public School Facilities Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to make grants in each fiscal year to local educational agencies (LEAs) in each state for the construction, modernization, or repair of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools to make them safe, healthy, high-performing, and technologically up-to-date. Gives priority to LEAs serving a high number or percentage of disadvantaged children and those whose public schools are in relatively poor condition. Requires LEAs to contribute funds toward the costs of the program, but uses a sliding scale that factors in the relative poverty of an LEA's service area. Requires the Secretary to make low-interest loans to LEAs in each fiscal year for the same purposes and with the same priorities given in the distribution of the grants. Establishes the School Construction, Modernization, and Repair Revolving Fund consisting of amounts derived from the low-interest loans and appropriations made to the Fund by this Act. Amends part D of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize and make appropriations for educational technology.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2007
Glaucoma Screening Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand coverage of screening for glaucoma to include individuals who are both older than 49 years of age and Hispanic. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to award a grant to an eligible entity to provide glaucoma screenings to individuals determined to be at high risk. Requires such an entity to: (1) utilize mobile screening units to test for glaucoma and other eye diseases; (2) target screening activities to populations primarily consisting of high-risk individuals; (3) form partnerships with federally-qualified health centers to increase awareness of the need for glaucoma screenings and to provide screenings for high-risk individuals; and (4) provide grants to approved medical residency training programs to permit participating students to conduct such screenings.